Open AccessA Promotor-Led Pilot Study to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Latinos: The Juntos Contra El Cáncer Program
Author(s) -
Elva M. Arredondo,
Jill Dumbauld,
Maria Milla,
Hala Madanat,
Gloria D. Coronado,
Jessica Haughton,
Felipe Garcia-Bigley,
Christian B. Ramers,
Jesse Nodora,
Balambal Bharti,
Gabriel Lopez,
Maria Angelica Carrillo Diaz,
Jessica Marquez,
Samir Gupta
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
health promotion practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.483
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1552-6372
pISSN - 1524-8399
DOI - 10.1177/1524839920912240
Subject(s) - colorectal cancer , medicine , gerontology , cancer prevention , colorectal cancer screening , health equity , family medicine , cancer , public health , nursing , colonoscopy
Background. Latinos have lower colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, despite an overall increase in CRC screening over the past 10 years. To address this disparity, we implemented a promotor -led intervention to increase CRC screening test adherence in community-based settings, connecting community members with a partnering federally qualified health center. Purpose . To evaluate the Juntos Contra el Cáncer /Together Against Cancer (JUNTOS) intervention, by assessing pre-post changes in (1) CRC screening test adherence and (2) CRC knowledge and perceived barriers to CRC screening. We also assessed the feasibility and acceptability of program activities. Method . JUNTOS was a group-based intervention, delivered by promotores (community health workers), to promote CRC screening test adherence among Latino adults. The intervention consisted of a culturally tailored 2½-hour interactive workshop followed by an appointment scheduling assistance from a promotor. Workshop participants were Latino adults (males and females) aged 50 to 75 years who were not up-to-date with CRC screening guidelines. We conducted interviews before and 6 to 9 months after the workshop to assess program outcomes. Results . Of the 177 participants included, 118 reported completing the CRC screening test (66.7%) by 6 to 9 months postintervention. We observed baseline to 6- to 9-month increase in CRC knowledge and lower perceived barriers to obtaining CRC screening. Furthermore, the intervention was found to be feasible and acceptable. Conclusion . Results suggest that JUNTOS can be feasibly implemented in partnership with a federally qualified health center. The current study supports group-based CRC interventions in community and clinic settings.